Joey Barton reveals why Bristol Rovers have signed ex-Bristol City, QPR, Crystal Palace & Norwich City man

Joey Barton has hailed the arrival of Chris Martin following his free transfer to Bristol Rovers.

The 34-year-old has joined until January, having been successful during his trial period at the Quarters. He becomes one of several players in recent years to have now turned out for both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.

He had remained in the area after leaving Ashton Gate earlier this year, and had been training with the Gas for the last week-and-a-half.

“We are delighted to get Chris in with us and add another striker to our group,” said Barton.

“He joins us at a good time and his presence will further add experience and quality to our squad. We are looking forward to seeing him have an impact in the coming months.”

Most recently, Martin got five goals in 35 games for both Bristol City and QPR last term, and also captained the Hoops on two occasions.

He hasn't played in League One since the 2012/13 season when he got one goal in 12 games for Swindon Town, and has spent the chunk of his career playing in the Championship.

As for his experience at the third tier of English football, he has got 18 goals and ten assists in League One, and was part of the Norwich City team which won the title in the 2009/10 season.

His involvement with the red side of Bristol saw him spend two-and-a-half seasons at City, and got 17 goals and 11 assists in 95 games. Martin’s best return whilst turning out for the Robins was the 12 goals and six assists in the 2021/22 campaign in which he forged a formidable attack alongside Andi Weimann and Antoine Semenyo.

He said in his parting message to Bristol City fans that he 'loved the city' and that with his son being born in Bristol, he held an attachment here.

Martin has signed in enough time for him to be eligible to make his debut this weekend when Rovers face Jonson Clarke-Harris and his Peterborough United teammates at London Road.